Is the United States undergoing a cultural revolution? For many Chinese people, the Trump era feels eerily familiar, echoing the political climate they left behind. But is this comparison a mere coincidence, or is there a deeper connection between the two nations? Let's delve into the intriguing parallels and differences between Trump's America and China, and explore the impact on free speech, government influence, and the future of democracy.
The Shifting Sands of Free Speech
Vickie Wang, a Chinese-American comedian, reflects on her experiences in both countries. In China, she knew the boundaries, but in the US, she feels like she's standing on shifting sands. This uncertainty is not unique to her. Many Chinese-Americans, like Deng Haiyan, a former police officer turned CCP critic, have faced backlash for their opinions. Deng's tweet about Charlie Kirk, a controversial figure, led to a public pile-on, mirroring the social surveillance and censorship seen in China. Maria Repnikova, an associate professor, notes the emergence of a similar culture of going after those who disagree and surveilling public speech, even if it's not directly state-led.
The Lighthouse of Democracy Fades
Zhang Qianfan, a professor of constitutional law, observes that the US is undergoing a cultural revolution, with Trump mobilizing the grassroots to sideline the elite. This echoes the Cultural Revolution in China, where youth were mobilized to execute the leader's will. Zhang also notes that American liberals, once inspired by the US, now see it as a declining beacon of democracy, with China's political system, despite its flaws, appearing more stable and effective post-pandemic. This shift in perception is significant, as it challenges the long-held belief in the US as a model for liberal democracy.
Government Influence and Private Industry
The Trump administration's acquisition of stakes in US companies has drawn comparisons with China, where the line between government and private industry is often blurred. The US government's recent move to become a shareholder in a rare earth processing startup has raised concerns about government meddling in private industry. This is in contrast to China, where state-owned enterprises dominate, and the government's influence is more overt.
The Impact on Free Speech and Democracy
Despite the differences, there are still major distinctions between Trump's America and China. The US judiciary, for instance, has blocked or overturned many of Trump's actions, a luxury not available in China's CCP-controlled system. Isaac Stone Fish, a China expert, emphasizes that the US remains freer and more open than China under Xi. However, the increasing similarities in political climate and the erosion of free speech and democracy are cause for concern.
A New Era of Precaution
As the political landscape shifts, people in the US are starting to take precautions once confined to more authoritarian countries. This includes self-censorship and fear of public criticism, even for those who were once outspoken on US-China issues. The fear of censorship and social surveillance is becoming a reality for many, challenging the very foundations of free speech and democracy.
In conclusion, while the US and China may have significant differences, the similarities in political climate and the erosion of free speech are cause for concern. As the world watches, the future of democracy in both nations hangs in the balance, with the potential for a cultural revolution that could shape global politics for decades to come.
